Will the People of Bihar Ever Forgive the Congress Over the ‘Bidi-Bihar’ Controversy?
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Synopsis
Uttar Pradesh's Minister Jaiveer Singh has fiercely condemned the Congress's ‘Bidi-Bihar’ remark as an unforgivable insult to Bihar's citizens. This controversy has sparked significant political outrage and discussions about the changing narrative of Bihar's identity.
Key Takeaways
- Jaiveer Singh condemns Congress's remarks.
- Bihar's transformation is a point of pride.
- Political discourse should prioritize respect.
- GST 2.0 is seen as beneficial for the economy.
- Opposition's rhetoric is increasingly personal and aggressive.
Lucknow, Sep 5 (NationPress) Uttar Pradesh Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh vehemently criticized the Congress party for its Kerala unit's controversial ‘Bidi-Bihar’ comment, deeming it a profound insult to the people of Bihar. He asserted that such a statement is not merely offensive but is indeed a crime, emphasizing that the residents of Bihar will never forgive the opposition for this.
In a statement to IANS, the BJP leader remarked: "To equate Bihar with ‘bidi’ is utterly outrageous. Bihar has evolved significantly and is no longer the stereotypical state it once was. It has made remarkable advancements in education, employment, and infrastructure. Bihar has a longstanding tradition as a hub of learning, and its citizens are among the hardest-working individuals in the nation."
He questioned, "Are they (the Congress) suggesting that the people of Bihar are drug users? What kind of mindset is this? Regardless of where they reside, Biharis contribute positively to their communities. The Congress should be ashamed. The people of Bihar will never forget or forgive this insult."
This strong response was triggered by the Congress’s Kerala unit's social media post, which drew a sarcastic parallel between Bihar and bidis, targeting the BJP's recent GST 2.0 reforms. This post ignited political uproar across various parties, prompting the Congress to clarify and apologize. In a subsequent post on X, the party claimed that the comment was being misinterpreted and did not aim to offend anyone.
In response to the Centre’s new GST reforms, Jaiveer Singh praised the initiative as historic, stating that the Opposition has no grounds to criticize it.
“When GST was rolled out, the Opposition made grand promises regarding reforms. However, during their lengthy tenure, they failed to deliver. Our government has rectified those oversights. This GST 2.0 will benefit all - farmers, MSMEs, and consumers. It’s a Diwali gift to the nation,” he added.
He also commented on the recent tumultuous proceedings in the West Bengal Assembly, where Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee vehemently criticized the BJP, accusing the party of corruption and intimidation.
"Opposition leaders are increasingly turning to personal attacks against Prime Minister Modi and the BJP. While differing political views are acceptable, resorting to abusive language to incite division is perilous. Whether it’s Mamata Banerjee, the RJD, or Congress leaders - their frustration is evident. However, the public will not stand for such negativity," he concluded.
Banerjee had previously labeled the BJP as "a party of the corrupt, a party of vote thieves. They are the biggest dacoit party. We witnessed in Parliament how they employed the CISF to intimidate our MPs. Bangla-birodi BJP hatao desh bachao (remove anti-Bengal BJP, save the country)."
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the sensitivity surrounding remarks that may undermine the dignity of a region's populace. The backlash against the Congress's comment reflects not just political rivalry but a deeper need for respectful discourse in our democracy. The evolving identity of Bihar necessitates a more nuanced understanding from all political entities, emphasizing respect over ridicule.
NationPress
05/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the controversial remark made by the Congress?
The Congress's Kerala unit made a sarcastic comment comparing Bihar to bidis, which sparked outrage and was labeled as offensive by several political leaders.
What did Jaiveer Singh say about Bihar's transformation?
Jaiveer Singh highlighted that Bihar has significantly evolved in sectors like education, employment, and infrastructure, and is no longer the stereotyped state it was once considered.
How did the Congress respond to the backlash?
The Congress issued a clarification and an apology, stating that the comment was being misinterpreted and was not intended to offend anyone.
What are the implications of the GST 2.0 reforms?
Jaiveer Singh described the GST 2.0 reforms as a historic move that would benefit various sectors, including farmers and small businesses, presenting it as a Diwali gift to the nation.
What did Mamata Banerjee say about the BJP?
Mamata Banerjee accused the BJP of corruption and intimidation, calling them a party of thieves and stating that they used force to silence opposition.
